Compare SEN / Special Education International Schools in Japan

The Innovation Fellowship (TIF) is an independent international high school in Shibuya, Tokyo for students in grades 9–12. Its campus opened in 2024 and is located at Spark Shibuya, a short walk from Shibuya Station and Yoyogi Park. Academics are built on three pillars: project-based, problem-based and inquiry-based learning. Students spend half the school day designing and executing real-world projects, supported by coaches and industry mentors. Math and Science are delivered through Khan Academy and aligned with Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards. TIF culminates in an American high school diploma, and students are described as preparing for SAT and AP exams. A signature annual event is Demo Day, where students present their projects to a public audience.

Global Indian International School – Higashi Kasai Campus in Tokyo offers international education pathways from upper primary through high school, featuring IB PYP, Cambridge (CLSP & IGCSE), and the IB Diploma Programme. Located in the residential Edogawa ward of eastern Tokyo, the campus combines internationally recognised curricula with a framework known as 9GEMS designed to develop varied competencies. Instruction is primarily in English, and students aged approximately 8 to 18 can pursue structured learning from primary through senior levels. The campus offers curriculum choices that support transitions to global higher education pathways and encourages participation in activities that support skills beyond academics, including technology and leadership-oriented programs. Bus services are available, and the school operates as a co-educational day school.

India International School in Japan (IISJ) was established in 2004 and provides education from Kindergarten through Grade 12. The school follows the Indian Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum, with students sitting for CBSE Board Examinations in Grades 10 and 12. IISJ also offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for senior secondary students and publishes IB programme information on its website. The Tokyo campus relocated to a new building in spring 2023, which includes physics and chemistry laboratories, a library, a cafeteria, a gymnasium and a soccer field. Instruction is delivered in English, and additional languages taught as subjects include Japanese, Hindi, Tamil, French, and Nepali. IISJ provides a school bus service in Tokyo. After-school activities listed by the school include Model United Nations, STEM Club, Student Council and sports such as basketball and cricket.

Senri International School of Kwansei Gakuin (SIS) is a Japanese middle and high school in Minoh City, Osaka (north Osaka), founded in 1991 and sharing one campus with its sister school, Osaka International School, through the “Two Schools Together” model. Students follow curricula leading to Japanese middle and high school diplomas, and SIS also offers a route for students to pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP), studied in grades 11–12 (ages 16–18). SIS highlights a three-term semester system designed to support transfers and flexible study patterns, and it emphasizes English development across subjects. The campus guide notes English is commonly used across shared-campus activities. Boarding is available via the school’s Akebono Dormitory for students who cannot easily commute.

Seisen International School is a private Catholic school in Tokyo serving the international community, with a total K–12 population of about 700 students representing over 40 nationalities. Teaching is in English, and the school encourages students to speak English within the school. Seisen describes itself as an International Baccalaureate Continuum school, offering Montessori and the IB Primary Years Programme in Kindergarten, IB PYP in Elementary, IB MYP in Grades 6–10 and the IB Diploma Programme in High School. Facilities on the campus include science labs, a design tech room, music rooms, a drama room, library media centers, a chapel, a gymnasium and a field and tennis courts. Seisen also highlights service and leadership opportunities for students as part of school life.

The British School in Tokyo’s Showa Campus is located at Showa Women’s University in Taishido and opened in 2007. It serves Year 7 to Year 13 students. BST teaches a curriculum founded on the National Curriculum for England and in Key Stage 4 students follow an IGCSE programme taught by subject specialists. For senior students, BST states the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) is now embedded as the pathway for Years 12–13, alongside the school’s IGCSE foundations. Students can also access broader programmes such as BST Outdoors, with trips that include outdoor activities in Okutama, Tokyo prefecture. BST also states it runs 130 extracurricular clubs across the school.

NUCB International Junior and Senior High School (NIHS) is an MEXT-accredited junior and senior high school in Showa Ward, Nagoya, about a 7-minute walk from Gokiso Station. Students study in a bilingual environment and the school states it has recruited ten native English instructors, teaching small classes with an emphasis on oral communication. NIHS is an IB World School authorized for the Diploma Programme and has also obtained IB Middle Years Programme authorization. Beyond timetabled classes, the school describes after-school TOEIC preparation and a United Nations General Assembly debate simulation in English. Facilities highlighted by the school include a large central atrium used as a multi-purpose space, a “World Online Classroom” designed for interactive video-linked learning, an Active Learning Lab for discussion and presentations, as well as an on-site electronic library.

Tokyo International School (TIS) is a non-profit IB World School in Minami Azabu, Minato-ku, with over 460 students representing 70+ nationalities. TIS delivers the IB Primary Years Programme (Kindergarten–Grade 5), serving about 230 students aged 5–11 and the IB Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10), serving about 160 students aged 11–16. The school also offers the IB Diploma Programme, with Grade 11 introduced from the 2025–26 school year. Japanese is taught alongside English (the language of instruction). TIS highlights its central Tokyo location and uses nearby parks, museums and landmarks as part of school life, alongside trips such as residential visits to Hakuba, Nara and Kanazawa, plus a Grade 10 overseas trip to Thailand.

Osaka International School of Kwansei Gakuin is an English-instruction K–12 school in Minoh, an Osaka suburb near Minoh National Park, around 30 minutes from Umeda. The school offers the IB continuum. This includes Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). OIS states that the school has approximately 270 students represents 34 nationalities. A distinctive feature is its shared-campus model with sister school Senri International School, including shared PE, arts/music, sports teams and student government. The school highlights a renowned music program and competitive sports opportunities, plus student involvement in service projects. Boarding is also noted through its Global Futures Program.

North London Collegiate School Kobe (NLCS Kobe) opened in September 2025 and is a co educational day school for students in Grades 1 to 7, located on Rokko Island, Kobe, with convenient access to both Kobe and Osaka. Guided by the philosophy of being an “International School with a Japanese Heart,” the school combines a globally minded education with a strong appreciation for Japanese language, culture, and values. All classes are taught in English and follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, encouraging inquiry based learning, critical thinking, creativity, and international mindedness. The school also places strong emphasis on personalised pastoral care and small class sizes to support each student’s individual development. Facilities at the Rokko Island campus include dedicated spaces for science, ICT, art, music, and drama, providing students with a broad and enriching educational experience. A growing co curricular programme further supports confidence, collaboration, and leadership skills. The planned Senior School campus will open on Rokko Mountain in 2028 and will include boarding facilities, expanding the school’s provision for secondary students within a distinctive natural setting.

Move To Learn Global School, established in August 2021 in Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture, is an international day school offering education and support for children aged 3 to 12 with diverse learning needs. The school provides a bespoke curriculum designed from the best elements of British, IB, American and other global curricula, delivered in English and Japanese to build foundational skills in English literacy, math, science and STEAM. Because of its small class sizes (around 7–8 students), instructors tailor instruction to individual learners, especially for students with special educational needs such as ASD, ADHD and learning difficulties. The campus supports inclusive education and individualized development, rather than fixed grade-level expectations, helping students progress at their own pace while strengthening communication, cognitive and social skills.

Horizon Japan International School (HJIS) is an IB World School in Yokohama, serving students from preschool age 3 through Grade 12 (ages 3–18). It is authorized to offer the full IB continuum which includes the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The school is located in the heart of Yokohama, with directions provided from Yokohama Station. HJIS reports over 500 students representing more than 50 nationalities. The campus was completed in 2019. Students can join an After School Program with a wide range of activities which includes sports, music, art, robotics and debate. The school also notes “over 60 after-school clubs” with more than 300 active students.

Rugby School Japan (RSJ) is a premier British international day and boarding school situated in the Kashiwanoha Smart City of Chiba Prefecture, located 30 minutes from central Tokyo via the Tsukuba Express Line. Serving a co-educational student body aged 11–18 (Years 7–13), RSJ delivers a rigorous British curriculum. This academic pathway leads to IGCSEs for Years 10–11 and A Levels for Years 12–13. Pupils are further challenged and supported through the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which facilitates independent, deep-dive research into specialised subjects of interest. The school is defined by its commitment to the development of "The Whole Person." Guided by the belief that social, recreational, and cultural engagement is essential to individual growth, RSJ provides a vast array of co-curricular enrichment. This includes professional-level programmes in music, drama, dance, coding, and debating, alongside elite sports clubs, outdoor education, and diverse academic and cultural societies. As it enters its third academic year with a thriving community of 300+ pupils, RSJ offers flexible residency options including Day, Weekly, and Full Boarding, fostering a global community within a state-of-the-art Japanese setting.

Horizon Academy Sendai Campus offers two stages: an Early Learning Centre for ages 3–5 and a Primary School for Grades 1–6. In the Early Learning Centre, the school describes its curriculum as based on the UK’s EYFS framework, with inquiry-based experiences in English. In Primary, the school states that it implements the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) and is a PYP authorized school, with 50–60% of instruction in English and both Japanese and English homeroom teachers. The campus is located in Takamori, Sendai and the school describes the setting as a peaceful residential area surrounded by nature. Practical supports listed on the site include a school bus service and daycare options.

Tohoku International School (TIS) in Sendai, Miyagi is the only international school in Japan’s Tohoku region offering an IB education from Kindergarten through Grade 12, with authorization for both the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the IB Diploma Programme (DP). English is the medium of instruction, and the school provides EAL support for students who need additional help with English. Secondary students (Grades 7–12) study subjects including English, History, Science, Mathematics, Japanese, Global Issues, Physical Education and Arts,.The school also integrates technology through its BYLT (“Bring Your Own Laptop”) program. A distinctive tradition is the school’s annual, all-English spring musical, produced every year with students performing on stage and backstage. After-school activities run throughout the year and include options such as programming, basketball, gardening, film-making and yoga, with bus transportation service available.

Tokyo International Progressive School (TIPS) is a small international school in Setagaya, Tokyo, serving students from Grades 4 to 12. Founded in 2000, the school is located near the Futako-Tamagawa area and provides guidance for access from Futako-Tamagawa Station. TIPS is designed to support students with mild learning differences and learning challenges, offering an individualized academic environment with very small class sizes, averaging six students and capped at ten. The school follows an American-based curriculum, using Common Core standards in the middle grades and University of Nebraska High School (UNHS) online courses and Advanced Placement (AP) options at the high school level. Instruction is delivered in English, with opportunities for students to engage in Japanese language and culture activities. Beyond academics, students can participate in clubs such as coding, band, board games and sports, as well as the ACE program, which focuses on student-led projects and entrepreneurship.

Hiroshima Global Academy (HiGA) is a public boarding junior and senior high school in Osakikamijima, an island in the Seto Inland Sea, about 1.5 hours from Hiroshima. The school offers the International Baccalaureate: the Middle Years Programme (Grades 7–10) and the Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12). HiGA supports learning in both English and Japanese, and notes that some DP subjects can be studied in either language depending on a student’s ability; it also provides individualized Japanese language courses. Student life includes dormitory living across grades and nationalities. After-school, students can join A4LC clubs such as science, sports, instrumental ensemble (big band jazz), and an art-and-technology group; a student A4LC team has competed in FIRST LEGO League and qualified for a national competition.

Linden Hall School in Fukuoka operates two campuses to serve students from 6 to 18: Elementary at Gojo, Dazaifu City, and Junior and Senior High at Futsukaichi-kita, Chikushino City. It is a day school with on-campus dormitory facilities. The Elementary program provides six years of English-immersion education, with most classes taught in English; Japanese language and moral education are taught in Japanese. The programme follows the MEXT Ichijou-Kou curriculum and is designated a Specially Exempt School. The High School offers an IB Diploma Programme and TI Course; Linden Hall was recognised as an IB World School on 4 October 2013. College counselling, overseas study opportunities, and international exchanges are provided. Facilities include glass-walled Elementary building, on-campus athletic fields and rice paddies, a dormitory, and a High School with a computer room and library. Extracurriculars span music, sport, and programming, with Round Square membership supporting leadership and service through international exchanges.

Linden Hall School in Fukuoka operates two campuses to serve students from 6 to 18: Elementary at Gojo, Dazaifu City, and Junior and Senior High at Futsukaichi-kita, Chikushino City. It is a day school with on-campus dormitory facilities. The Elementary program provides six years of English-immersion education, with most classes taught in English; Japanese language and moral education are taught in Japanese. The programme follows the MEXT Ichijou-Kou curriculum and is designated a Specially Exempt School. The High School offers an IB Diploma Programme and TI Course; Linden Hall was recognised as an IB World School on 4 October 2013. College counselling, overseas study opportunities, and international exchanges are provided. Facilities include glass-walled Elementary building, on-campus athletic fields and rice paddies, a dormitory, and a High School with a computer room and library. Extracurriculars span music, sport, and programming, with Round Square membership supporting leadership and service through international exchanges.

MEES International School’s Sendagi campus in Bunkyo, Tokyo, serves children aged 1 to 6, offering preschool education grounded in a blend of Montessori principles, Reggio Emilia influences and project-based learning that encourages hands-on exploration and natural curiosity. English is the primary language of instruction, and the mixed-age classrooms support collaboration across developmental stages. The preschool’s extended nursery option runs until late afternoon and an optional bus service is available for families. The curriculum integrates science, art, language and social skills through meaningful activities and projects, designed to support early childhood growth. The school also offers an afternoon immersion program to strengthen English communication and classroom engagement. Outdoor experiences such as forest school elements are incorporated across the broader MEES community, adding elements of nature and experiential learning. MEES emphasizes personalized progress with multi-age interaction and project work to nurture confidence, problem-solving and self-expression.

Hiroshima International School (HIS) is an IB World School founded in 1962 and located in Kurakake, Asakita-ku, on the edge of Hiroshima in a quiet residential district. Students follow the IB Primary Years Programme (ages 3–11), Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10), and Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12). English is the language of instruction, and Japanese is taught as a subject. The campus facilities listed by the school include a large gymnasium, library, music room, art room, dance studio, science laboratory and an enclosed playground. A distinctive feature is the Thousand Crane Club: each year students deliver paper cranes sent from around the world to the Children’s (Sadako) Monument in Peace Memorial Park.

Christian Academy in Japan (CAJ) is a K–12 co-educational day school in Higashi Kurume, in Tokyo’s northwest suburbs, established in 1950. Instruction is in English and follows a North American curriculum model with Bible classes across grades. In high school, students can take Advanced Placement (AP) courses and complete a required Senior Capstone research-and-project course. Each fall, “School Without Walls” replaces normal classes for a week so students practice leadership and service around Japan. World languages include Japanese and Spanish, offered from beginning levels through advanced/AP options. Students join co-curricular programs such as robotics, Student Council, National Honor Society, drama and music ensembles. Campus spaces include the ARK building, which houses the cafeteria/kitchen, band room and a multi-purpose room for events and activities. Athletics in the high school profile include basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis and track.

Okinawa International School (OIS) opened in April 2003 and provides education from preschool through high school across its programs. OIS is an IB Continuum School. It became authorized for IB PYP (2011), IB MYP (2016) and IB DP (2020), making it Okinawa’s first and only school offering the full IB pathway. In the elementary years, students learn through the IB PYP approach and complete a PYP Exhibition, presenting inquiry learning. OIS also highlights a local-language element in elementary school by offering “しまくとぅば” (Okinawan language) classes. At high school level, OIS offers an IB course and an additional International Liberal Arts (ILA) course option.